Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Question 1

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Define

Answer 1

Swelling/dilation of the aorta in the abdominal region

Question 2

Sizes:
Abdominal Aorta
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Answer 2

Normal AA = 2 cm

Path AA = > 3cm = (>50% normal diameter)

Question 3

Types (shape) Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Answer 3

Fusiform = spindle shaped
Saccular = pouch like

Question 4

What is required if a patient has a rupture of an aortic aneurysm?
How can this be prevented?

Answer 4

Urgent Surgery

Screening

Question 5

Most common site of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?

Who is most at risk of AAA?

Answer 5

Ifrarenal

Men, Elderly, Smokers, COPD, Genetically predisposed

Question 6

True Aneurysm:

Answer 6

Abdominal dilatations that involve all layers of the arterial wall.

Question 7

False Aneurysm:

Answer 7

Collection of blood in the outer layer only, which communicates with the lumen.

Question 8

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Symptoms:

Answer 8

Abdominal pain - sudden, intense, intermittent/continusous, radiates to back or legs, tearing sensation
Sweatiness
Clamminess
Dizziness
Nausea
Vomiting 
Hypotension 
Collapse/Syncope

Question 9

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Sign

Answer 9

Expandable Abdominal Mass

Question 10

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Investigations:

Answer 10

CT Angiography 
MR Angiography 
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test
Abdominal Ultrasound
Pulmonary Function Test
Mucopolysaccharidosis - blood test
ECG
ECHO
FBC

Question 11

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Treatment

Answer 11

Surgery - if > 5.5 cm
Open Remair - 6 week recovery
Stenting - EVAR - Endovascular Aneurysm Repair - 2 week recovery (reoccurrence rate)